Re: What to look for in a technical editor

[Michael West <mbwest -at- bigpond -dot- net -dot- au>]

No, no, no.  Please read my words, not his, before
you decide whether we agree or not.

I did NOT say that to "work with a SME who's also a
good editor" would be frustrating.

What I said would lead to frustration was the EXPECTATION
that your avarage SMEs will be competent technical editors (as
distinct from content reviewers).

I also said that exceptions exist, and it's a GOOD thing
when you find someone who is both.

So we agree.

--
Michael West


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <dmbrown -at- brown-inc -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 12:11 PM
Subject: Re: What to look for in a technical editor


>
> Michael West wrote:
> >
> > Expecting subject-matter experts to be intelligent and capable
> > style editors, or expecting style experts to have detailed
> > technical knowledge of an emerging technology, usually ends in
> > unsatisfactory outcomes for the consumer and, somewhat less
> > importantly, frustrating working conditions for writers.
>
> and Andrew Plato asked:
> >
> > ...when I read your words I hear "ignorance is an asset."
> > Why is expecting an editor to have technical knowledge a bad
> > thing and how could [it] lead to a frustrating working condition?
>
> The first part of Mr. West's statement doesn't trouble me.  *Expecting* an
SME to be a good editor may indeed lead to an unsatisfactory outcome;
specifically, dissatisfaction--few SMEs are likely to be good editors.
>
> As for the second part, I'm with Andrew.  If I get to work with an SME
who's also a good editor, I can't imagine being frustrated as a writer by
the experience.
>
> --David



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